Man seriously injured after snowball fight turns nasty

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A MAN has been left with a serious ear injury and possible permanent damage after he challenged a group of youths throwing snowballs at elderly people in Bromsgrove town centre.

The incident happened in broad daylight in Mill Lane near Iceland, around 3.25pm on Monday (January 21).

The victim in his 20s was concerned for the safety of an elderly couple who were having snowballs thrown at them.

He asked the group to stop but one of them punched him several times on the right side of the head, causing a cut through the cartilage of his ear.

He was taken to the specialist facial clinic at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital where he received eight stitches.

However he may suffer hearing loss and permanent scarring.

The suspect who is white and in his late teens, of average build and with dark short hair was wearing black trousers, black shoes, a black bomber jacket and carrying a laptop bag.

Police believe he got on the 144 bus heading towards Catshill, at the Market Street bus depot after the attack took place.

PC Simeon Darrall-Jones of West Mercia Police said: "This was clearly a nasty and unprovoked attack on a young man who was simply trying to prevent some elderly people getting injured.

"I would appeal for anyone who witnessed the assault or anyone who recognises the youth from the description to contact us. I would also appeal for the youth responsible to come forward."

Anyone with information on the incident should contact PC Darrall-Jones on 101, quoting reference 362-S-210113, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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